MANSFIELD, PA—Mansfield University President Fran Hendricks today announced his intent to retire on August 
18, 2017. Hendricks, a 1979 Mansfield graduate, has been president at the institution since May 28, 2013.
“I have decided to retire so I can spend more time with my family,” Hendricks said. “My four years at Mansfield University, coupled with my 33 years in the United States Air Force, have defined my life’s purpose—to serve others. I feel it is now time for me to take the same passion and focus it on my family and the next chapter of my life.”
Prior to returning to Mansfield, Hendricks spent 33 years serving in the U.S. Air Force, holding a number of command positions and retiring as a brigadier general.
In a letter to the MU community, Hendricks spoke of the accomplishments and innovation shown during his tenure, including Mansfield being the first school in the state to freeze tuition and room, the Commonwealth Scholar and TEAM programs, and Mansfield’s selection as Pennsylvania’s representative in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).
He also acknowledged the challenges Mansfield faces and his firm belief that MU will rise up to meet those challenges as it has others for 160 years.
“I also want to be clear that this decision is in no way related to the review of the State System that is ongoing,” Hendricks said. “I have full confidence that the review will reinforce Mansfield’s mission and value to the region, Commonwealth, nation and world.”
Also in his letter, Hendricks thanked the students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and trustees for their role in moving Mansfield forward.
“It has been an honor to work with an energetic and passionate leader like Fran Hendricks,” Bobbi J. Kilmer, chairperson of the Council of Trustees, said. “His dedication to Mansfield University has been an inspiration to students, their families and the entire community. We are thankful for his service to MU and we wish him and Connie all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives. They will be missed.”
“Fran Hendricks’ commitment to Mansfield University—his alma mater—has been evident throughout his tenure as president,” Frank T. Brogan, Chanc
ellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, said. “He has worked tirelessly every day on behalf of the university and its students, seeking the success of both.”
In the coming weeks, the Board of Governors will name an interim president to serve as chief executive after Hendricks’s retirement. That person will serve until a presidential search is concluded.
“As I return to my former status of proud and indebted alum, you can continue to count on Connie and me to remain ardent supporters of Mansfield University,” Hendricks said. “We are and always will be H2S (Here to Serve).”